This really captured our imagination at at a time when schools are about to go through further changes.
Could be just the opportunity to see if a Forest School could be the way forward for children to experience the joy of experiential learning in an outdoor environment. It can be true release from the confines of the classroom which many young people find claustrophobic and not conducive to learning.
A recent tv programme has taken a group of boys to outside challenging environments and the success was amazing. Not just for the actual learning but for the desire to find out more.
The Forest Schools Website, full of information gives the following outline.
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences
‘Forest Schools is an innovative educational approach to outdoor learning. The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. ‘
Forest Schools has demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis and through play, who have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Forest School Programmes run throughout the year, for about 36 weeks, going to the woods in all weathers (except for high winds). Children use full sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self motivated.
Definitely worth checking out, we have just heard of a nursery who is starting on the scheme and would love to be there with them as they journey into the woods.
We have been involved in an organisation called Woodland Ways for some time and place great value on the inspiration and satisfaction from woods in both rural and urban areas.
Sue Martin -SmithMartin Partnership LLP – creating futures, enabling imaginations
Jackie Morris’s latest book The Ice Bear is newly in print this month with 
Jackie also has exhibitions across the country.